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What is Nesting Instinct In Pregnancy?
Nesting instinct is that overwhelming and natural desire to prepare your surroundings for the baby’s arrival. If you are suddenly feeling energetic and think it is not common during pregnancy, don't worry. It is not typically a pregnancy symptom but a biological behaviour that kicks in during the last few weeks.Birds gather pieces of wood and soft materials to build a nest to protect their egg. Cats and rabbits find a safe place to give birth. Nesting is a subconscious, evolutionary habit that prepares a secure place for the baby. At week 36, you may start rearranging the closet, baby-proofing your entire house, sanitising the entire place, and building a nursery for the baby.
Why Nesting Happens
Nesting usually kicks in during the last stretch of the third trimester, typically around week 36. Nesting is triggered by fluctuating hormones, biological, and emotional behaviour. Here are a few reasons why nesting happens:- Increased levels of progesterone and oestrogen affect your moods and energy levels.
- Release of oxytocin increases maternal behaviour and bonding with the baby.
- An adrenaline rush provides the burst of energy to clean and rearrange the entire house.
- Nesting acts as a coping mechanism for the anxiety you feel.
How Do You Know If You Are Nesting?
Every individual is different and follows a different kind of routine. Nesting also comes at different times and manifests in different forms for each one. Here are some common nesting behaviours:- You take cleaning too seriously: Cleaning the house once or twice will never be enough. The mother instinct inside you will keep spotting dirt. Scrubbing the floor, showers, toilets, disposing of unwanted pantry items, vacuuming often, and cleaning baby essentials will become a regular activity.
- You are bursting with energy: Despite the late pregnancy symptoms and discomfort, some mothers experience a sudden surge in energy and motivation. Every hard and impossible task feels easy and achievable.
- Laundry more often: Pre-washing baby clothes is always a healthy practice. During the last trimester, you will keep washing baby clothes, burp clothes, sheets, blankets, towels, pillowcases, and even sofa covers.
- You become restless: While some may find it relaxing to clean and organise the house, the attention to detail may leave some restless. Buying baby essentials, packing maternity things, and organising the nursery may leave you unsettled.
- Changing personality: Sometimes the nesting instinct can change your personality. A relaxed person may feel more stressed, while a stressed person may feel calm and composed.
Things To do While Nesting
Nesting brings that insatiable energy to a mother’s life. During this time, focusing on meaningful activities can support your overall health. Here are a few things that you can do when you are burning with energy:- Organise the nursery: Arrange bedding, baby clothes, and other essentials.
- Prepare your hospital bag: Make a checklist of items to pack and ensure all baby and mother's essentials are included.
- Prioritise safety: During this time, cleaning the nooks and crannies of the home is common. Always having a supportive hand and using pregnancy-safe cleaning products is crucial.
- Meal prep: It'll be hard to stand in the kitchen for long, so preparing and freezing balanced meals ensures you have nutritious meals and supports healing and energy.
- Create a relaxing space: Find a place in your home with optimal sunlight and ventilation. Use that place to build a nursery or soothing environment for the baby and mother.
- Finalise paperwork: Use this time effectively for outside work. Review your medical documents, insurance form, and other documents needed for and after birth.
Things to Avoid While Nesting
- Avoid straining work: Don't pick heavy boxes or move furniture. These can lead to contractions and muscle aches.
- Avoid toxic chemicals: Sanitisers and cleaners are loaded with harmful substances. So always opt for non-toxic products or natural alternatives.
- Don't stand for a long period: Prolonged standing or walking can lead to swelling and dizziness. Take optimal rest and elevate your legs whenever possible.
- Avoid exhaustion: Overthinking about the little details will leave you stressed. So delegate tasks to people, and take optimal rest.
Productive Nesting Ideas
Mothers can use this overflowing nesting energy to do something productive and useful. Below are a few easy and practical ideas you can adopt:- Start a pregnancy journal: Document your day-to-day feelings and progress in a journal or digital diary.
- Start something new: It can be writing a letter to your baby or laying the groundwork for a small business.
- Make a post-partum checklist: Create a list of things you want to do after delivery with your kids, your partner or even the shows you want to binge.
- Focus on self-care: Go for therapy sessions, prenatal massage, swimming, or calm places that make you happy.
- Declutter your device: Deleting old emails, organising photos, and apps can bring you a lot of clarity.
The need and desire for shopping may also increase during this time. It’s important to purchase only what you need. Spending unnecessarily on baby clothes, just because they look cute, is a waste of money and energy, as babies grow fast. So use this time efficiently and strategically to ease your labour and postpartum recovery.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on Nesting Instinct Kicks In: Why You Suddenly Want Everything Clean
- How early do you start nesting in pregnancy?
Nesting instinct may kick in anytime. For many mothers, nesting may start around week 28. Nesting helps increase the bond between the mother and the baby. - Do all moms go through nesting?
Nesting is a biological behaviour that prepares the surroundings for the baby’s arrival. Over 70% of moms experience nesting.
